The Golden Key to Spiritual Growth | Sunday Message

For America's 250th birthday, Greg For America's 250th birthday, Greg Laurie recommends a great film about the Laurie recommends a great film about the Laurie recommends a great film about the man behind the spiritual [music] man behind the spiritual [music] man behind the spiritual [music] awakening of our nation. awakening of our nation. awakening of our nation. >> Just as surely as George Washington is >> Just as surely as George Washington is >> Just as surely as George Washington is our founding father, George Whitfield is our founding father, George Whitfield is our founding father, George Whitfield is our spiritual founding [music] father. our spiritual founding [music] father. our spiritual founding [music] father. Two Georges played a role in founding Two Georges played a role in founding Two Georges played a role in founding the United States. So, find out more the United States. So, find out more the United States. So, find out more about George Whitfield [music] in this about George Whitfield [music] in this about George Whitfield [music] in this film that's called A Great Awakening, film that's called A Great Awakening, film that's called A Great Awakening, and we'll send it to you for your and we'll send it to you for your and we'll send it to you for your [music] gift of any size. [music] gift of any size. [music] gift of any size. >> Available on DVD at harvest.org. Well, what? Hello. Say Say something Well, what? Hello. Say Say something back. back. back. Thank you. You can all be seated. Thank you. You can all be seated. Thank you. You can all be seated. Let's pray together. Father, we're glad Let's pray together. Father, we're glad Let's pray together. Father, we're glad to be here today to be here today to be here today in your house with your people, in your house with your people, in your house with your people, worshipping you because you are worthy. worshipping you because you are worthy. worshipping you because you are worthy. And Lord, we think of all those people And Lord, we think of all those people And Lord, we think of all those people who made a profession of faith only days who made a profession of faith only days who made a profession of faith only days ago at Angel Stadium. We pray that you ago at Angel Stadium. We pray that you ago at Angel Stadium. We pray that you will bless everyone. We pray that they will bless everyone. We pray that they will bless everyone. We pray that they will be seeds sown on good ground and will be seeds sown on good ground and will be seeds sown on good ground and that they would bring forth much that they would bring forth much that they would bring forth much spiritual fruit. And Lord, we pray for spiritual fruit. And Lord, we pray for spiritual fruit. And Lord, we pray for our time now as we open your word to our time now as we open your word to our time now as we open your word to learn more about well, the golden key learn more about well, the golden key learn more about well, the golden key that leads to spiritual growth. Help us that leads to spiritual growth. Help us that leads to spiritual growth. Help us to discover that together as we open to discover that together as we open to discover that together as we open scripture. We ask all of this in Jesus' scripture. We ask all of this in Jesus' scripture. We ask all of this in Jesus' name. Amen.

name. Amen. name. Amen. Okay, why don't you grab your Bibles and Okay, why don't you grab your Bibles and Okay, why don't you grab your Bibles and turn to Luke chapter 8. turn to Luke chapter 8. turn to Luke chapter 8. And the title of my message is the And the title of my message is the And the title of my message is the golden key to spiritual growth. golden key to spiritual growth. golden key to spiritual growth. You'll notice that when we talk about You'll notice that when we talk about You'll notice that when we talk about people that responded to the invitation people that responded to the invitation people that responded to the invitation to follow Christ that we call them to follow Christ that we call them to follow Christ that we call them professions of faith. We don't call them professions of faith. We don't call them professions of faith. We don't call them conversions, and here's why. We don't conversions, and here's why. We don't conversions, and here's why. We don't know if they're conversions. We hope and know if they're conversions. We hope and know if they're conversions. We hope and pray they are, but time will tell if pray they are, but time will tell if pray they are, but time will tell if those people are really people who put those people are really people who put those people are really people who put their full faith in Christ because it's their full faith in Christ because it's their full faith in Christ because it's not enough to just go forward or to come not enough to just go forward or to come not enough to just go forward or to come forward, you need to go forward forward, you need to go forward forward, you need to go forward spiritually. And really the key to the spiritually. And really the key to the spiritually. And really the key to the Christian life is consistency. It's sort Christian life is consistency. It's sort Christian life is consistency. It's sort of putting one foot in front of the of putting one foot in front of the of putting one foot in front of the other every single day and it's walking other every single day and it's walking other every single day and it's walking with God. As one person defined the with God. As one person defined the with God. As one person defined the Christian life, it's long obedience in Christian life, it's long obedience in Christian life, it's long obedience in the same direction. Uh you may know we the same direction. Uh you may know we the same direction. Uh you may know we have a church over on the island of Maui have a church over on the island of Maui have a church over on the island of Maui called Harvest Kimo Lani and one thing called Harvest Kimo Lani and one thing called Harvest Kimo Lani and one thing that's really popular over there is that's really popular over there is that's really popular over there is stand-up paddling. Do you know what I'm stand-up paddling. Do you know what I'm stand-up paddling. Do you know what I'm talking about? How many of you have talking about? How many of you have talking about? How many of you have tried stand-up paddling? Okay, quite a tried stand-up paddling? Okay, quite a tried stand-up paddling? Okay, quite a few of you.

few of you. few of you. Uh so, Uh so, Uh so, the thing with stand-up paddling is you the thing with stand-up paddling is you the thing with stand-up paddling is you get on your board and you paddle, right? get on your board and you paddle, right? get on your board and you paddle, right? And you have to stand up, hence the And you have to stand up, hence the And you have to stand up, hence the title. And I struggle with it. My wife, title. And I struggle with it. My wife, title. And I struggle with it. My wife, she took good to it to it immediately, she took good to it to it immediately, she took good to it to it immediately, cutting across the face of waves and I'm cutting across the face of waves and I'm cutting across the face of waves and I'm still trying to stand up. I keep still trying to stand up. I keep still trying to stand up. I keep falling. And when you get good at it, falling. And when you get good at it, falling. And when you get good at it, you can stand with no effort at all. you can stand with no effort at all. you can stand with no effort at all. They're out there standing, talking to They're out there standing, talking to They're out there standing, talking to each other like they're on a street each other like they're on a street each other like they're on a street corner, but they're on these boards. I'm corner, but they're on these boards. I'm corner, but they're on these boards. I'm still struggling, but I noticed that still struggling, but I noticed that still struggling, but I noticed that when I moved, I did better. So, it came when I moved, I did better. So, it came when I moved, I did better. So, it came down to this, stall and you fall. down to this, stall and you fall. down to this, stall and you fall. It momentum helps you. The same is true It momentum helps you. The same is true It momentum helps you. The same is true of the Christian life. It's been said of the Christian life. It's been said of the Christian life. It's been said the Christian life is like a grease the Christian life is like a grease the Christian life is like a grease pole. You're either climbing or pole. You're either climbing or pole. You're either climbing or slipping. Stall you fall. Constant slipping. Stall you fall. Constant slipping. Stall you fall. Constant movement, constant growth as you walk movement, constant growth as you walk movement, constant growth as you walk with the Lord. And so, I want to talk to with the Lord. And so, I want to talk to with the Lord. And so, I want to talk to you about the golden key to spiritual you about the golden key to spiritual you about the golden key to spiritual growth. A while ago, we had the growth. A while ago, we had the growth. A while ago, we had the privilege to be at the White House and privilege to be at the White House and privilege to be at the White House and we went into the Oval Office and we went into the Oval Office and we went into the Oval Office and President Trump presented uh Jack President Trump presented uh Jack President Trump presented uh Jack Graham, my friend, and Franklin Graham, Graham, my friend, and Franklin Graham, Graham, my friend, and Franklin Graham, my other friend, I only have two my other friend, I only have two my other friend, I only have two friends, um friends, um friends, um and myself with this. It's a box and on and myself with this. It's a box and on and myself with this. It's a box and on the box is the presidential seal. And the box is the presidential seal. And the box is the presidential seal. And inside of this box there is this inside of this box there is this inside of this box there is this ornamental key right here. It says key ornamental key right here. It says key ornamental key right here. It says key to the White House. Now, I tried it on a to the White House. Now, I tried it on a to the White House. Now, I tried it on a number of locks, it did not work.

number of locks, it did not work. number of locks, it did not work. That's when I discovered this is this is That's when I discovered this is this is That's when I discovered this is this is not an actual key. It's a symbolic key, not an actual key. It's a symbolic key, not an actual key. It's a symbolic key, but I appreciated the gesture but I appreciated the gesture but I appreciated the gesture nonetheless. Well, I want to talk to you nonetheless. Well, I want to talk to you nonetheless. Well, I want to talk to you about a key that does work, a golden key about a key that does work, a golden key about a key that does work, a golden key if you will, to spiritual growth. if you will, to spiritual growth. if you will, to spiritual growth. Because I'm going to address the Because I'm going to address the Because I'm going to address the question that asks, why do some people question that asks, why do some people question that asks, why do some people succeed and others fail as Christians? succeed and others fail as Christians? succeed and others fail as Christians? And I think you're going to be surprised And I think you're going to be surprised And I think you're going to be surprised by my answer. by my answer. by my answer. The answer is simply this, it's a result The answer is simply this, it's a result The answer is simply this, it's a result of choices. Every single day we're faced of choices. Every single day we're faced of choices. Every single day we're faced with choices, starting with your alarm with choices, starting with your alarm with choices, starting with your alarm clock going off. Are you going to get up clock going off. Are you going to get up clock going off. Are you going to get up or are you going to hit the snooze or are you going to hit the snooze or are you going to hit the snooze button? Then, what are you going to button? Then, what are you going to button? Then, what are you going to wear? What are you going to have for wear? What are you going to have for wear? What are you going to have for breakfast? And then as the day breakfast? And then as the day breakfast? And then as the day progresses, uh what are you going to progresses, uh what are you going to progresses, uh what are you going to have for lunch? I had the privilege have for lunch? I had the privilege have for lunch? I had the privilege recently of interviewing Pastor Chuck recently of interviewing Pastor Chuck recently of interviewing Pastor Chuck Swindoll. How many of you know who Chuck Swindoll. How many of you know who Chuck Swindoll. How many of you know who Chuck Swindoll is? He's I think he may be the Swindoll is? He's I think he may be the Swindoll is? He's I think he may be the living greatest living preacher uh living greatest living preacher uh living greatest living preacher uh today. He's now 90 years old, and we did today. He's now 90 years old, and we did today. He's now 90 years old, and we did a podcast together. We talked for about a podcast together. We talked for about a podcast together. We talked for about an hour and a half, and we're going to an hour and a half, and we're going to an hour and a half, and we're going to release it uh this coming Tuesday on our release it uh this coming Tuesday on our release it uh this coming Tuesday on our podcast platform. So, if you haven't podcast platform. So, if you haven't podcast platform. So, if you haven't subscribed yet, you might want to tune subscribed yet, you might want to tune subscribed yet, you might want to tune in because he just had so much to say.

in because he just had so much to say. in because he just had so much to say. But, we talked about a lot of very But, we talked about a lot of very But, we talked about a lot of very important things, but then I asked him, important things, but then I asked him, important things, but then I asked him, "What is your favorite food? Like, what "What is your favorite food? Like, what "What is your favorite food? Like, what is your go-to food?" And he said, "The is your go-to food?" And he said, "The is your go-to food?" And he said, "The chili my wife makes, and I like to put chili my wife makes, and I like to put chili my wife makes, and I like to put Fritos on it." And then I said, "Have Fritos on it." And then I said, "Have Fritos on it." And then I said, "Have you ever been to the In-N-Out Burger?" you ever been to the In-N-Out Burger?" you ever been to the In-N-Out Burger?" And he said, "Oh, yes." He got very And he said, "Oh, yes." He got very And he said, "Oh, yes." He got very excited. "Yes. What do you order at excited. "Yes. What do you order at excited. "Yes. What do you order at In-N-Out Burger?" He said, "I get a In-N-Out Burger?" He said, "I get a In-N-Out Burger?" He said, "I get a double-double animal style." I said, double-double animal style." I said, double-double animal style." I said, "That's funny, I get animal style, too." "That's funny, I get animal style, too." "That's funny, I get animal style, too." So, now you know what Chuck Swindoll So, now you know what Chuck Swindoll So, now you know what Chuck Swindoll orders, but you know, not a lot of orders, but you know, not a lot of orders, but you know, not a lot of choices at In-N-Out Burger, but good choices at In-N-Out Burger, but good choices at In-N-Out Burger, but good ones. But now there's important choices, ones. But now there's important choices, ones. But now there's important choices, spiritual choices. When I get up in the spiritual choices. When I get up in the spiritual choices. When I get up in the morning, am I going to open my Bible or morning, am I going to open my Bible or morning, am I going to open my Bible or am I going to scroll on my phone? When am I going to scroll on my phone? When am I going to scroll on my phone? When I'm commuting to work, if you have a I'm commuting to work, if you have a I'm commuting to work, if you have a commute, what are you going to listen commute, what are you going to listen commute, what are you going to listen to? What are you going to expose to? What are you going to expose to? What are you going to expose yourself to? Then the weekend comes. Is yourself to? Then the weekend comes. Is yourself to? Then the weekend comes. Is it going to be church or no church this it going to be church or no church this it going to be church or no church this weekend? To me, it's surprising how weekend? To me, it's surprising how weekend? To me, it's surprising how people will consider church optional people will consider church optional people will consider church optional when God considers it essential. And it when God considers it essential. And it when God considers it essential. And it should not be something we negotiate or should not be something we negotiate or should not be something we negotiate or maybe I'll do it this time and not that maybe I'll do it this time and not that maybe I'll do it this time and not that time. But these are choices that we make time. But these are choices that we make time. But these are choices that we make and they're important because you make and they're important because you make and they're important because you make your choices then your choices make you.

your choices then your choices make you. your choices then your choices make you. So, the same is true of spiritual So, the same is true of spiritual So, the same is true of spiritual growth. We have choices before us. growth. We have choices before us. growth. We have choices before us. Deuteronomy 30:19, God says, "I call Deuteronomy 30:19, God says, "I call Deuteronomy 30:19, God says, "I call heaven and earth as witnesses today heaven and earth as witnesses today heaven and earth as witnesses today against you. I have set before you life against you. I have set before you life against you. I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. and death, blessing and cursing. and death, blessing and cursing. Therefore, choose life." So, if a person Therefore, choose life." So, if a person Therefore, choose life." So, if a person stumbles and falls spiritually, it's stumbles and falls spiritually, it's stumbles and falls spiritually, it's because they chose to. Sort of like if because they chose to. Sort of like if because they chose to. Sort of like if you took your car and you parked it at you took your car and you parked it at you took your car and you parked it at an incline and did not put it into gear an incline and did not put it into gear an incline and did not put it into gear nor did you put your emergency brake on, nor did you put your emergency brake on, nor did you put your emergency brake on, guess what's going to happen? Your car's guess what's going to happen? Your car's guess what's going to happen? Your car's going to go backwards. And in the same going to go backwards. And in the same going to go backwards. And in the same way, if we're not moving forward, we're way, if we're not moving forward, we're way, if we're not moving forward, we're going to by default be moving backwards. going to by default be moving backwards. going to by default be moving backwards. The choice is ours. So, here's the The choice is ours. So, here's the The choice is ours. So, here's the bottom line. What choices are we going bottom line. What choices are we going bottom line. What choices are we going to make? Listen to this. Everything you to make? Listen to this. Everything you to make? Listen to this. Everything you need for spiritual growth and progress need for spiritual growth and progress need for spiritual growth and progress is found in your relationship with God. is found in your relationship with God. is found in your relationship with God. 2 Peter 1:3 says, "His divine power has 2 Peter 1:3 says, "His divine power has 2 Peter 1:3 says, "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and given us everything we need for life and given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him godliness through our knowledge of him godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and who called us by his own glory and who called us by his own glory and goodness."

goodness." goodness." God's given you everything you need to God's given you everything you need to God's given you everything you need to make it. Do you want to grow make it. Do you want to grow make it. Do you want to grow spiritually? Do you want to finish the spiritually? Do you want to finish the spiritually? Do you want to finish the race of life well? Then if you yield to race of life well? Then if you yield to race of life well? Then if you yield to the Holy Spirit, you will. the Holy Spirit, you will. the Holy Spirit, you will. Do you not care about this? Is this not Do you not care about this? Is this not Do you not care about this? Is this not important to you? Then very easily you important to you? Then very easily you important to you? Then very easily you could become a spiritual casualty. That could become a spiritual casualty. That could become a spiritual casualty. That brings us to the parable of the sower. brings us to the parable of the sower. brings us to the parable of the sower. And this had been a long hard day for And this had been a long hard day for And this had been a long hard day for Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Uh he had dealt with a lot of Uh he had dealt with a lot of Uh he had dealt with a lot of challenges. His own mother and brothers challenges. His own mother and brothers challenges. His own mother and brothers thought he had lost his mind and wanted thought he had lost his mind and wanted thought he had lost his mind and wanted to take him home. The scribes and the to take him home. The scribes and the to take him home. The scribes and the Pharisees were saying that he was Pharisees were saying that he was Pharisees were saying that he was speaking by the inspiration of the speaking by the inspiration of the speaking by the inspiration of the devil. devil. devil. And so he just retreats to the beach. And so he just retreats to the beach. And so he just retreats to the beach. His version of the beach. Uh it was a His version of the beach. Uh it was a His version of the beach. Uh it was a sea of Galilee, which is actually a sea of Galilee, which is actually a sea of Galilee, which is actually a large freshwater lake, but it's so vast large freshwater lake, but it's so vast large freshwater lake, but it's so vast and big it looks like the ocean or the and big it looks like the ocean or the and big it looks like the ocean or the beach. And Jesus spent a lot of time on beach. And Jesus spent a lot of time on beach. And Jesus spent a lot of time on the shore. A lot of time hanging out the shore. A lot of time hanging out the shore. A lot of time hanging out there. there. there. He gave some of his greatest teachings He gave some of his greatest teachings He gave some of his greatest teachings there, including the Sermon on the there, including the Sermon on the there, including the Sermon on the Mount. Speaking of the beach, we just Mount. Speaking of the beach, we just Mount. Speaking of the beach, we just had our Jesus Revolution baptism had our Jesus Revolution baptism had our Jesus Revolution baptism yesterday. It was fantastic. And there yesterday. It was fantastic. And there yesterday. It was fantastic. And there was one little girl I was talking to.

was one little girl I was talking to. was one little girl I was talking to. She was 8 years old and she was scared She was 8 years old and she was scared She was 8 years old and she was scared to be baptized. And I said, "Why are you to be baptized. And I said, "Why are you to be baptized. And I said, "Why are you scared?" She said, "Because in the Jesus scared?" She said, "Because in the Jesus scared?" She said, "Because in the Jesus Revolution movie, you were sinking down Revolution movie, you were sinking down Revolution movie, you were sinking down really deep." You know what I'm talking really deep." You know what I'm talking really deep." You know what I'm talking about. Have you seen the Jesus about. Have you seen the Jesus about. Have you seen the Jesus Revolution movie? I think we have a Revolution movie? I think we have a Revolution movie? I think we have a little uh B-roll from it there. Remember little uh B-roll from it there. Remember little uh B-roll from it there. Remember that scene where I'm just sinking that that scene where I'm just sinking that that scene where I'm just sinking that that she thought that was going to that she thought that was going to that she thought that was going to happen to her. I said, "No, no, no. happen to her. I said, "No, no, no. happen to her. I said, "No, no, no. Listen, that that was just in the movie. Listen, that that was just in the movie. Listen, that that was just in the movie. The funny thing is that was shot in a The funny thing is that was shot in a The funny thing is that was shot in a water tank and they took the actor that water tank and they took the actor that water tank and they took the actor that played me played me played me uh and put him in a water tank in uh and put him in a water tank in uh and put him in a water tank in Alabama, put weights on him, and he sunk Alabama, put weights on him, and he sunk Alabama, put weights on him, and he sunk to the bottom all day long. And then the to the bottom all day long. And then the to the bottom all day long. And then the uh guys down with scuba tanks on, they uh guys down with scuba tanks on, they uh guys down with scuba tanks on, they gave him air, and then he would go to gave him air, and then he would go to gave him air, and then he would go to the top where a spotlight was shining the top where a spotlight was shining the top where a spotlight was shining down. But when you see it in the The down. But when you see it in the The down. But when you see it in the The Greg's on the beach, then he's sinking Greg's on the beach, then he's sinking Greg's on the beach, then he's sinking down. It's a metaphor. It's a way to down. It's a metaphor. It's a way to down. It's a metaphor. It's a way to make the point of what happened. But make the point of what happened. But make the point of what happened. But this little girl was scared. Here's a this little girl was scared. Here's a this little girl was scared. Here's a little conversation they had as she was little conversation they had as she was little conversation they had as she was in line getting ready to be baptized. in line getting ready to be baptized. in line getting ready to be baptized. Check it out. Check it out. Check it out. Are you still [laughter] scared?

Are you still [laughter] scared? Are you still [laughter] scared? Do not be scared. It's going to be fun Do not be scared. It's going to be fun Do not be scared. It's going to be fun and you're going to be so happy. and you're going to be so happy. and you're going to be so happy. I promise you. Bring her to church and I promise you. Bring her to church and I promise you. Bring her to church and I'll give her a yellow dog plush toy. I'll give her a yellow dog plush toy. I'll give her a yellow dog plush toy. Have you seen those? Have you seen those? Have you seen those? >> We'll be We'll be there tomorrow. >> We'll be We'll be there tomorrow. >> We'll be We'll be there tomorrow. >> Okay, my little character, we made him >> Okay, my little character, we made him >> Okay, my little character, we made him into a little plush toy. into a little plush toy. into a little plush toy. I'm giving you a toy now. Something to I'm giving you a toy now. Something to I'm giving you a toy now. Something to look forward to. look forward to. look forward to. She seems very excited. She seems very excited. She seems very excited. Yeah, so Yeah, so Yeah, so even with bribery, she just wasn't sure. even with bribery, she just wasn't sure. even with bribery, she just wasn't sure. I have to If I see her, I'm going to I have to If I see her, I'm going to I have to If I see her, I'm going to give her that little yellow dog plush give her that little yellow dog plush give her that little yellow dog plush toy. So Jesus is at the beach. He's at toy. So Jesus is at the beach. He's at toy. So Jesus is at the beach. He's at the Sea of Galilee. the Sea of Galilee. the Sea of Galilee. Probably in the distance there was a Probably in the distance there was a Probably in the distance there was a sower sowing seed, a farmer distributing sower sowing seed, a farmer distributing sower sowing seed, a farmer distributing seed. So Jesus draws on that and gives seed. So Jesus draws on that and gives seed. So Jesus draws on that and gives us what we call the parable of the us what we call the parable of the us what we call the parable of the sower. sower. sower. And it goes as follows. A sower went out And it goes as follows. A sower went out And it goes as follows. A sower went out to sow seed. Some seed fell on the to sow seed. Some seed fell on the to sow seed. Some seed fell on the roadside and the birds came quickly and roadside and the birds came quickly and roadside and the birds came quickly and ate it. Other seed fell on soil that was ate it. Other seed fell on soil that was ate it. Other seed fell on soil that was embedded with rocks and thus it shot up embedded with rocks and thus it shot up embedded with rocks and thus it shot up quickly, but because it could not get quickly, but because it could not get quickly, but because it could not get its roots deep into the soil, it its roots deep into the soil, it its roots deep into the soil, it withered in the blazing sun.

withered in the blazing sun. withered in the blazing sun. Other seed fell on certain soil that was Other seed fell on certain soil that was Other seed fell on certain soil that was embedded with thorns and with weeds and embedded with thorns and with weeds and embedded with thorns and with weeds and the growth of the seed was choked out. the growth of the seed was choked out. the growth of the seed was choked out. And finally, some seed fell on good And finally, some seed fell on good And finally, some seed fell on good ground and brought forth great fruit. ground and brought forth great fruit. ground and brought forth great fruit. What does that mean? Jesus gives the What does that mean? Jesus gives the What does that mean? Jesus gives the meaning of the parable of the sower in meaning of the parable of the sower in meaning of the parable of the sower in Luke chapter 9, verse 11, where he says, Luke chapter 9, verse 11, where he says, Luke chapter 9, verse 11, where he says, "This is the meaning of the parable." "This is the meaning of the parable." "This is the meaning of the parable." Excuse me, Luke chapter 8, uh verse 11. Excuse me, Luke chapter 8, uh verse 11. Excuse me, Luke chapter 8, uh verse 11. This is the meaning of the parable. The This is the meaning of the parable. The This is the meaning of the parable. The seed is God's word. The seeds that fell seed is God's word. The seeds that fell seed is God's word. The seeds that fell on the footpath represent those who hear on the footpath represent those who hear on the footpath represent those who hear the message but only they have the devil the message but only they have the devil the message but only they have the devil come and take it away from their hearts come and take it away from their hearts come and take it away from their hearts and prevent them from believing and and prevent them from believing and and prevent them from believing and being saved. The seeds on the rocky soil being saved. The seeds on the rocky soil being saved. The seeds on the rocky soil represent those who hear the message and represent those who hear the message and represent those who hear the message and receive it with joy but since they don't receive it with joy but since they don't receive it with joy but since they don't have deep roots they believe for a while have deep roots they believe for a while have deep roots they believe for a while but they fall away when they face but they fall away when they face but they fall away when they face temptation. The seeds that fell among temptation. The seeds that fell among temptation. The seeds that fell among the thorns represent those who hear the the thorns represent those who hear the the thorns represent those who hear the message but all too quickly the message message but all too quickly the message message but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches is crowded out by the cares and riches is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life and they and pleasures of this life and they and pleasures of this life and they never grow into maturity. And the seeds never grow into maturity. And the seeds never grow into maturity. And the seeds that fell in the good soil represent that fell in the good soil represent that fell in the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear honest, good-hearted people who hear honest, good-hearted people who hear God's word, cling to it, and patiently God's word, cling to it, and patiently God's word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest.

produce a huge harvest. produce a huge harvest. We'll stop there. So, here's the We'll stop there. So, here's the We'll stop there. So, here's the question. Which one of these four question. Which one of these four question. Which one of these four categories represents you? categories represents you? categories represents you? Which soil are you? Your heart is like Which soil are you? Your heart is like Which soil are you? Your heart is like soil. The seed is God's word. You soil. The seed is God's word. You soil. The seed is God's word. You determine what kind of soil your heart determine what kind of soil your heart determine what kind of soil your heart will be. It's interesting to note will be. It's interesting to note will be. It's interesting to note that [clears throat] only one out of that [clears throat] only one out of that [clears throat] only one out of four made it. Out of four categories four made it. Out of four categories four made it. Out of four categories only one group had productive response. only one group had productive response. only one group had productive response. And we could look at this last crusade And we could look at this last crusade And we could look at this last crusade and we had 4,000 plus professions of and we had 4,000 plus professions of and we had 4,000 plus professions of faith. Now, let's just say only one out faith. Now, let's just say only one out faith. Now, let's just say only one out of four makes it. That would be 1,000 of four makes it. That would be 1,000 of four makes it. That would be 1,000 people having a genuine conversion. Now, people having a genuine conversion. Now, people having a genuine conversion. Now, my question is was it worth our effort? my question is was it worth our effort? my question is was it worth our effort? Well, the answer is yes. Absolutely. And Well, the answer is yes. Absolutely. And Well, the answer is yes. Absolutely. And it may be far more than 1,000. It could it may be far more than 1,000. It could it may be far more than 1,000. It could be 2,000 or 3. God knows. But we did our be 2,000 or 3. God knows. But we did our be 2,000 or 3. God knows. But we did our job. Our job is to sow the seed. Back in job. Our job is to sow the seed. Back in job. Our job is to sow the seed. Back in these days they sowed seed differently these days they sowed seed differently these days they sowed seed differently than we do today. They would just than we do today. They would just than we do today. They would just indiscriminately throw the seed far and indiscriminately throw the seed far and indiscriminately throw the seed far and wide. So, it went on various types of wide. So, it went on various types of wide. So, it went on various types of soil. So, the rest of the work was done soil. So, the rest of the work was done soil. So, the rest of the work was done later. And in the same way we throw the later. And in the same way we throw the later. And in the same way we throw the seed of the word of God out to as many seed of the word of God out to as many seed of the word of God out to as many people as we possibly can. But it's God people as we possibly can. But it's God people as we possibly can. But it's God that does the work of conversion. But we that does the work of conversion. But we that does the work of conversion. But we have a role to play. All of us do. Uh have a role to play. All of us do. Uh have a role to play. All of us do. Uh the Apostle Paul says that my job is to the Apostle Paul says that my job is to the Apostle Paul says that my job is to plant the seed in your hearts. Apollos, plant the seed in your hearts. Apollos, plant the seed in your hearts. Apollos, another preacher, watered it. But it was another preacher, watered it. But it was another preacher, watered it. But it was God who made it grow. And the ones who

God who made it grow. And the ones who God who made it grow. And the ones who did the planting and watering aren't did the planting and watering aren't did the planting and watering aren't important, but God is important. He's important, but God is important. He's important, but God is important. He's the one who makes the seed grow. the one who makes the seed grow. the one who makes the seed grow. Remember that young man I was talking to Remember that young man I was talking to Remember that young man I was talking to standing in line to be baptized. Uh I standing in line to be baptized. Uh I standing in line to be baptized. Uh I asked him what happened to him. And he asked him what happened to him. And he asked him what happened to him. And he said, "Well, you know, he had been said, "Well, you know, he had been said, "Well, you know, he had been drinking and had a really bad night, had drinking and had a really bad night, had drinking and had a really bad night, had an accident, and it was kind of a an accident, and it was kind of a an accident, and it was kind of a wake-up call for him." wake-up call for him." wake-up call for him." And what did he say? He said, "Get me my And what did he say? He said, "Get me my And what did he say? He said, "Get me my grandmother's Bible." So, what that says grandmother's Bible." So, what that says grandmother's Bible." So, what that says to me is that grandmother of his was a to me is that grandmother of his was a to me is that grandmother of his was a woman of faith who no doubt prayed for woman of faith who no doubt prayed for woman of faith who no doubt prayed for him. And he knew she had the answer. He him. And he knew she had the answer. He him. And he knew she had the answer. He got the grandmother's Bible and he made got the grandmother's Bible and he made got the grandmother's Bible and he made a commitment to follow the Lord. So, you a commitment to follow the Lord. So, you a commitment to follow the Lord. So, you grandmothers out there, you grandfathers grandmothers out there, you grandfathers grandmothers out there, you grandfathers out there, you husbands and wives who out there, you husbands and wives who out there, you husbands and wives who have faithfully sown the seed of the have faithfully sown the seed of the have faithfully sown the seed of the word of God in the hearts of your word of God in the hearts of your word of God in the hearts of your children and grandchildren, don't ever children and grandchildren, don't ever children and grandchildren, don't ever feel your efforts are in vain. They may feel your efforts are in vain. They may feel your efforts are in vain. They may not break ground until uh a month from not break ground until uh a month from not break ground until uh a month from now, maybe years from now. My own mother now, maybe years from now. My own mother now, maybe years from now. My own mother waited 70 years uh to recommit her life waited 70 years uh to recommit her life waited 70 years uh to recommit her life to the Lord, though she was raised in a to the Lord, though she was raised in a to the Lord, though she was raised in a Christian home. But the question comes, Christian home. But the question comes, Christian home. But the question comes, which is, "Well, what if a person says which is, "Well, what if a person says which is, "Well, what if a person says they are a Christian and they walk away they are a Christian and they walk away they are a Christian and they walk away and never return? Was that person a and never return? Was that person a and never return? Was that person a Christian?" And then another question Christian?" And then another question Christian?" And then another question that is asked is, "Did they lose their that is asked is, "Did they lose their that is asked is, "Did they lose their salvation?"

salvation?" salvation?" >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> I suggest to you, the question should >> I suggest to you, the question should >> I suggest to you, the question should not be did they lose their salvation? not be did they lose their salvation? not be did they lose their salvation? The question should be did they ever The question should be did they ever The question should be did they ever have salvation to begin with? Because in have salvation to begin with? Because in have salvation to begin with? Because in 1 John 2:19, it says people left our 1 John 2:19, it says people left our 1 John 2:19, it says people left our churches because they never really churches because they never really churches because they never really belonged to us. Otherwise, they would belonged to us. Otherwise, they would belonged to us. Otherwise, they would have stayed with us. And when they left have stayed with us. And when they left have stayed with us. And when they left us, it was proven that they did not us, it was proven that they did not us, it was proven that they did not belong with us. belong with us. belong with us. So, the real test of conversion is you So, the real test of conversion is you So, the real test of conversion is you will stay with it. Now, that doesn't will stay with it. Now, that doesn't will stay with it. Now, that doesn't mean you can't walk away. It doesn't mean you can't walk away. It doesn't mean you can't walk away. It doesn't mean you can't stray. mean you can't stray. mean you can't stray. It doesn't mean you can't be a prodigal It doesn't mean you can't be a prodigal It doesn't mean you can't be a prodigal son or daughter, but a prodigal will son or daughter, but a prodigal will son or daughter, but a prodigal will always find their way home. But if you always find their way home. But if you always find their way home. But if you have someone that says, "Oh, I became a have someone that says, "Oh, I became a have someone that says, "Oh, I became a Christian and then I no longer am a Christian and then I no longer am a Christian and then I no longer am a Christian. I tried the whole Jesus freak Christian. I tried the whole Jesus freak Christian. I tried the whole Jesus freak thing and it didn't work for me. thing and it didn't work for me. thing and it didn't work for me. And now I'm reconstructing." And now I'm reconstructing." And now I'm reconstructing." Oh, shut up. Oh, shut up. Oh, shut up. I suggest you never constructed to begin I suggest you never constructed to begin I suggest you never constructed to begin with. You need to reconstruct. Were you with. You need to reconstruct. Were you with. You need to reconstruct. Were you converted to start with? I shouldn't converted to start with? I shouldn't converted to start with? I shouldn't have said shut up.

have said shut up. have said shut up. But I meant it. So, But I meant it. So, But I meant it. So, but the point is, were you really a but the point is, were you really a but the point is, were you really a believer in the first place? Did you believer in the first place? Did you believer in the first place? Did you know it's possible to have your know it's possible to have your know it's possible to have your spiritual eyes opened and see something spiritual eyes opened and see something spiritual eyes opened and see something is true and yet not act on it. Paul is true and yet not act on it. Paul is true and yet not act on it. Paul standing before Herod Agrippa in Acts 26 standing before Herod Agrippa in Acts 26 standing before Herod Agrippa in Acts 26 lays out what the gospel is, the gospel lays out what the gospel is, the gospel lays out what the gospel is, the gospel he was preaching. He says, "God's called he was preaching. He says, "God's called he was preaching. He says, "God's called me to preach this message where God's me to preach this message where God's me to preach this message where God's opens a person's eyes spiritually and opens a person's eyes spiritually and opens a person's eyes spiritually and they turn from darkness to light and they turn from darkness to light and they turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God and from the power of Satan to God and from the power of Satan to God and receive an inheritance from the Lord." receive an inheritance from the Lord." receive an inheritance from the Lord." You can have your eyes opened. That's You can have your eyes opened. That's You can have your eyes opened. That's good. good. good. All of us who are Christians had our All of us who are Christians had our All of us who are Christians had our eyes opened spiritually, right? It's eyes opened spiritually, right? It's eyes opened spiritually, right? It's just a moment where boom, I get it. just a moment where boom, I get it. just a moment where boom, I get it. I know it's true. I believe it. But now I know it's true. I believe it. But now I know it's true. I believe it. But now you have to take the next step, turn you have to take the next step, turn you have to take the next step, turn from darkness to light, from the power from darkness to light, from the power from darkness to light, from the power of Satan unto God. Only God can open of Satan unto God. Only God can open of Satan unto God. Only God can open your eyes. Only you can turn from your eyes. Only you can turn from your eyes. Only you can turn from darkness to light. Only God can convict darkness to light. Only God can convict darkness to light. Only God can convict you of your sin. Only you can repent of you of your sin. Only you can repent of you of your sin. Only you can repent of your sin.

your sin. your sin. You see, there are some things only God You see, there are some things only God You see, there are some things only God can do and some things only you can do. can do and some things only you can do. can do and some things only you can do. Effectively, the ball's in your court. Effectively, the ball's in your court. Effectively, the ball's in your court. So, it's possible you could have your So, it's possible you could have your So, it's possible you could have your eyes open in the sense that you say, "I eyes open in the sense that you say, "I eyes open in the sense that you say, "I believe Jesus Christ is the son of God. believe Jesus Christ is the son of God. believe Jesus Christ is the son of God. I believe he's the way to God." And then I believe he's the way to God." And then I believe he's the way to God." And then it even appears that you are a follower it even appears that you are a follower it even appears that you are a follower of his, but it doesn't stand the test of of his, but it doesn't stand the test of of his, but it doesn't stand the test of time. First category, the hardened heart time. First category, the hardened heart time. First category, the hardened heart is a person that hears the word of God, is a person that hears the word of God, is a person that hears the word of God, but the devil comes immediately and but the devil comes immediately and but the devil comes immediately and snatches it away. It's interesting that snatches it away. It's interesting that snatches it away. It's interesting that a picture of birds is are used. So, a picture of birds is are used. So, a picture of birds is are used. So, birds in the parables are always symbols birds in the parables are always symbols birds in the parables are always symbols of evil. of evil. of evil. And so, you know, birds are always And so, you know, birds are always And so, you know, birds are always waiting for free food, right? Go to a waiting for free food, right? Go to a waiting for free food, right? Go to a takeout restaurant, there's birds takeout restaurant, there's birds takeout restaurant, there's birds somewhere. somewhere. somewhere. They're waiting for that fry to hit the They're waiting for that fry to hit the They're waiting for that fry to hit the ground. Sometimes they don't even wait ground. Sometimes they don't even wait ground. Sometimes they don't even wait for it to hit the ground. Let's fly down for it to hit the ground. Let's fly down for it to hit the ground. Let's fly down and take it from you. and take it from you. and take it from you. And they they get the word out in the And they they get the word out in the And they they get the word out in the bird community that the food's here. bird community that the food's here. bird community that the food's here. They do it by a tweet, of course. They do it by a tweet, of course. They do it by a tweet, of course. Or now X, they use X, I think, instead, Or now X, they use X, I think, instead, Or now X, they use X, I think, instead, but um but um but um They communicate. They take your food They communicate. They take your food They communicate. They take your food away. Then there are the seagulls at the away. Then there are the seagulls at the away. Then there are the seagulls at the beach that fly away with your lunch, beach that fly away with your lunch, beach that fly away with your lunch, sometimes with your children. And sometimes with your children. And sometimes with your children. And So, that's the picture here. The birds So, that's the picture here. The birds So, that's the picture here. The birds come immediately. And when you share the come immediately. And when you share the come immediately. And when you share the gospel with someone, you better gospel with someone, you better gospel with someone, you better recognize that a spiritual battle has recognize that a spiritual battle has recognize that a spiritual battle has begun.

begun. begun. And the devil's going to fight you tooth And the devil's going to fight you tooth And the devil's going to fight you tooth and nail for that person. So, don't be and nail for that person. So, don't be and nail for that person. So, don't be surprised by that. That's category one. surprised by that. That's category one. surprised by that. That's category one. They hear it, but it doesn't take root. They hear it, but it doesn't take root. They hear it, but it doesn't take root. Category two, their hearts are shallow. Category two, their hearts are shallow. Category two, their hearts are shallow. It shoots up quickly. They have an It shoots up quickly. They have an It shoots up quickly. They have an emotional experience, but it doesn't emotional experience, but it doesn't emotional experience, but it doesn't stand the test of time. And so, they're stand the test of time. And so, they're stand the test of time. And so, they're not really engaging in the way that they not really engaging in the way that they not really engaging in the way that they should. And they wither away. Why do should. And they wither away. Why do should. And they wither away. Why do they do that? Well, probably just they do that? Well, probably just they do that? Well, probably just impulse. impulse. impulse. We all do things impulsively. We all do things impulsively. We all do things impulsively. Have you ever bought something on Have you ever bought something on Have you ever bought something on Instagram you didn't need? Instagram you didn't need? Instagram you didn't need? I have. I have. I have. Have you ever bought anything on Have you ever bought anything on Have you ever bought anything on Instagram you didn't want after you Instagram you didn't want after you Instagram you didn't want after you bought it? I have. bought it? I have. bought it? I have. In fact, I read that In fact, I read that In fact, I read that half of people who buy things online half of people who buy things online half of people who buy things online regret it within a week, but they don't regret it within a week, but they don't regret it within a week, but they don't return it. It just sits there in the return it. It just sits there in the return it. It just sits there in the garage still in the box. So, that's good garage still in the box. So, that's good garage still in the box. So, that's good for the person who sold it to you, for the person who sold it to you, for the person who sold it to you, right? Not so good for you. I also read right? Not so good for you. I also read right? Not so good for you. I also read that of those that buy exercise that of those that buy exercise that of those that buy exercise equipment, 80% of them don't use it, and equipment, 80% of them don't use it, and equipment, 80% of them don't use it, and of those who buy treadmills, only 20% of those who buy treadmills, only 20% of those who buy treadmills, only 20% end up using it. Oh, it sounds good. I'm end up using it. Oh, it sounds good. I'm end up using it. Oh, it sounds good. I'm going to get a treadmill. I'm going to going to get a treadmill. I'm going to going to get a treadmill. I'm going to run on my treadmill every single day.

run on my treadmill every single day. run on my treadmill every single day. And maybe you do for the first week. And maybe you do for the first week. And maybe you do for the first week. Then week number three, well, maybe you Then week number three, well, maybe you Then week number three, well, maybe you know, once in a while. Week number four, know, once in a while. Week number four, know, once in a while. Week number four, not as much. Week number five, you're not as much. Week number five, you're not as much. Week number five, you're hanging clothes on it. It's just a very hanging clothes on it. It's just a very hanging clothes on it. It's just a very expensive clothes hanger, right? expensive clothes hanger, right? expensive clothes hanger, right? That's an impulse buy. Sometimes people That's an impulse buy. Sometimes people That's an impulse buy. Sometimes people say, "Well, I'm going to follow Jesus say, "Well, I'm going to follow Jesus say, "Well, I'm going to follow Jesus because my friends are doing it." And because my friends are doing it." And because my friends are doing it." And the problem with that is the problem with that is the problem with that is maybe your friends say, "Well, I I don't maybe your friends say, "Well, I I don't maybe your friends say, "Well, I I don't want to do this anymore." Oh, well, I want to do this anymore." Oh, well, I want to do this anymore." Oh, well, I won't either then. won't either then. won't either then. Or maybe you meet somebody that is not a Or maybe you meet somebody that is not a Or maybe you meet somebody that is not a good representative of Christ. They good representative of Christ. They good representative of Christ. They disappoint you. You say, "Oh, see, that disappoint you. You say, "Oh, see, that disappoint you. You say, "Oh, see, that person's a hypocrite. I'm not going to person's a hypocrite. I'm not going to person's a hypocrite. I'm not going to be a Christian anymore." Listen to me. be a Christian anymore." Listen to me. be a Christian anymore." Listen to me. People are going to disappoint you. People are going to disappoint you. People are going to disappoint you. And you're going to disappoint people. And you're going to disappoint people. And you're going to disappoint people. But Christ will never disappoint you. But Christ will never disappoint you. But Christ will never disappoint you. You see? So, put your faith in him. You see? So, put your faith in him. You see? So, put your faith in him. Build your life on him. Build your life on him. Build your life on him. >> [applause] >> Others fall away because of persecution. >> Others fall away because of persecution. In Mark's treatment of this story in In Mark's treatment of this story in In Mark's treatment of this story in Mark 4:17, it says they don't have deep Mark 4:17, it says they don't have deep Mark 4:17, it says they don't have deep roots, they don't roots, they don't roots, they don't last long, last long, last long, and they have problems when they are and they have problems when they are and they have problems when they are persecuted.

persecuted. persecuted. If you're a follower of Jesus, you will If you're a follower of Jesus, you will If you're a follower of Jesus, you will face persecution. face persecution. face persecution. One of the first things that happened to One of the first things that happened to One of the first things that happened to me me me is my friends started making fun of me is my friends started making fun of me is my friends started making fun of me and I didn't like that because I was the and I didn't like that because I was the and I didn't like that because I was the mocker. mocker. mocker. I was the one making fun of everybody I was the one making fun of everybody I was the one making fun of everybody else and all of a sudden the mocker else and all of a sudden the mocker else and all of a sudden the mocker became the mocked. became the mocked. became the mocked. And I thought, "What is this all about?" And I thought, "What is this all about?" And I thought, "What is this all about?" It was called persecution. It was called persecution. It was called persecution. But if you live a godly life in Christ But if you live a godly life in Christ But if you live a godly life in Christ Jesus, you will be persecuted. Jesus, you will be persecuted. Jesus, you will be persecuted. But that's actually something you should But that's actually something you should But that's actually something you should wear as a badge of honor. Jesus said, wear as a badge of honor. Jesus said, wear as a badge of honor. Jesus said, "Blessed are you when men revile you and "Blessed are you when men revile you and "Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil persecute you and say all kinds of evil persecute you and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad for so and be exceedingly glad for so and be exceedingly glad for so persecuted the prophets that were before persecuted the prophets that were before persecuted the prophets that were before you." But some people say, "Well, man, I you." But some people say, "Well, man, I you." But some people say, "Well, man, I didn't sign up for this. I don't want didn't sign up for this. I don't want didn't sign up for this. I don't want someone to make fun of me. I don't want someone to make fun of me. I don't want someone to make fun of me. I don't want to get canceled. I don't want to be to get canceled. I don't want to be to get canceled. I don't want to be isolated." So they walk away because of isolated." So they walk away because of isolated." So they walk away because of that. that. that. Now we come to the third category, Now we come to the third category, Now we come to the third category, infested hearts. infested hearts. infested hearts. Verse 14, the seeds that fell among the Verse 14, the seeds that fell among the Verse 14, the seeds that fell among the thorns represent those who hear the thorns represent those who hear the thorns represent those who hear the message and all too quickly the message message and all too quickly the message message and all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches is crowded out by the cares and riches is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life and they and pleasures of this life and they and pleasures of this life and they never grow into maturity.

never grow into maturity. never grow into maturity. So coming back to the soil, this is soil So coming back to the soil, this is soil So coming back to the soil, this is soil with weeds. Now weeds don't kill plants with weeds. Now weeds don't kill plants with weeds. Now weeds don't kill plants overnight. You don't plant a little seed overnight. You don't plant a little seed overnight. You don't plant a little seed and it begins to grow and the next day and it begins to grow and the next day and it begins to grow and the next day the weed just bursts out of the ground, the weed just bursts out of the ground, the weed just bursts out of the ground, flexes its biceps, it starts choking flexes its biceps, it starts choking flexes its biceps, it starts choking your plant. No, it's ever so gradual. your plant. No, it's ever so gradual. your plant. No, it's ever so gradual. Just a little bit here, a little bit Just a little bit here, a little bit Just a little bit here, a little bit there. These are people that make a there. These are people that make a there. These are people that make a profession of faith profession of faith profession of faith but slowly but surely other things but slowly but surely other things but slowly but surely other things become more important. become more important. become more important. Notice that it's not overt sinful things Notice that it's not overt sinful things Notice that it's not overt sinful things that choke the growth of the seed. that choke the growth of the seed. that choke the growth of the seed. Though it could be that, but it's other Though it could be that, but it's other Though it could be that, but it's other things that become more important than things that become more important than things that become more important than the most important things. It's been the most important things. It's been the most important things. It's been said more have been killed by food than said more have been killed by food than said more have been killed by food than by poison. by poison. by poison. It's also been said the second best is It's also been said the second best is It's also been said the second best is often the worst enemy of the best. It often the worst enemy of the best. It often the worst enemy of the best. It might be things that you're just doing might be things that you're just doing might be things that you're just doing in life. Well, I'm pursuing my career. I in life. Well, I'm pursuing my career. I in life. Well, I'm pursuing my career. I don't have time for God. Or I just got don't have time for God. Or I just got don't have time for God. Or I just got married. I I can't do this. I can't married. I I can't do this. I can't married. I I can't do this. I can't really be a follower of Jesus Christ. Or really be a follower of Jesus Christ. Or really be a follower of Jesus Christ. Or or whatever thing you may offer up. Some or whatever thing you may offer up. Some or whatever thing you may offer up. Some people, my goodness, it could be a dog.

people, my goodness, it could be a dog. people, my goodness, it could be a dog. When did people become so obsessed with When did people become so obsessed with When did people become so obsessed with dogs? dogs? dogs? Now, I'm a dog lover. You got to know Now, I'm a dog lover. You got to know Now, I'm a dog lover. You got to know that about me. But, I don't want to push that about me. But, I don't want to push that about me. But, I don't want to push a dog around in a stroller. a dog around in a stroller. a dog around in a stroller. And I don't want a dog to sit next to me And I don't want a dog to sit next to me And I don't want a dog to sit next to me on an airplane. on an airplane. on an airplane. And I don't want a dog at my table And I don't want a dog at my table And I don't want a dog at my table eating next to me. But, people are so eating next to me. But, people are so eating next to me. But, people are so into their dogs. And literally, you can into their dogs. And literally, you can into their dogs. And literally, you can say to someone, say to someone, say to someone, "Why don't you come to church with me "Why don't you come to church with me "Why don't you come to church with me Sunday?" They say, "Oh, we can't." Why? Sunday?" They say, "Oh, we can't." Why? Sunday?" They say, "Oh, we can't." Why? "We can't leave the dog alone." "We can't leave the dog alone." "We can't leave the dog alone." Give me a break. Give me a break. Give me a break. Leave the dog on dog alone. Get to Leave the dog on dog alone. Get to Leave the dog on dog alone. Get to church. He'll somehow or she will church. He'll somehow or she will church. He'll somehow or she will survive it, right? survive it, right? survive it, right? But, another thing that chokes it out is But, another thing that chokes it out is But, another thing that chokes it out is worry. worry. worry. Worry. Because Jesus says it's crowded Worry. Because Jesus says it's crowded Worry. Because Jesus says it's crowded out by the worries of this life. And we out by the worries of this life. And we out by the worries of this life. And we can be filled with worry. We worry about can be filled with worry. We worry about can be filled with worry. We worry about so many things. We worry about how long so many things. We worry about how long so many things. We worry about how long we're going to live. We live in a time we're going to live. We live in a time we're going to live. We live in a time where people are obsessed with extending where people are obsessed with extending where people are obsessed with extending their lives with supplements, diet their lives with supplements, diet their lives with supplements, diet plans, workout regimens, biohacking.

plans, workout regimens, biohacking. plans, workout regimens, biohacking. And on it goes. And that's fine. I mean, And on it goes. And that's fine. I mean, And on it goes. And that's fine. I mean, yes, live as long as you can live. Be as yes, live as long as you can live. Be as yes, live as long as you can live. Be as healthy as you can be. But, ultimately, healthy as you can be. But, ultimately, healthy as you can be. But, ultimately, the length of your life is determined by the length of your life is determined by the length of your life is determined by God, not by you. So, stop worrying about God, not by you. So, stop worrying about God, not by you. So, stop worrying about it. it. it. When God's going to call you home, he'll When God's going to call you home, he'll When God's going to call you home, he'll call you home. So, walk with him. Be call you home. So, walk with him. Be call you home. So, walk with him. Be prepared for eternity. Live your life to prepared for eternity. Live your life to prepared for eternity. Live your life to its fullest. But, don't let that obsess its fullest. But, don't let that obsess its fullest. But, don't let that obsess you. Stories Studies show that 80% you. Stories Studies show that 80% you. Stories Studies show that 80% Excuse me, 85% of the things we worry Excuse me, 85% of the things we worry Excuse me, 85% of the things we worry about never happen. Think about that. about never happen. Think about that. about never happen. Think about that. 85% 85% 85% of the things we worry about never of the things we worry about never of the things we worry about never happen. And of the 15% that do happen, happen. And of the 15% that do happen, happen. And of the 15% that do happen, most people report they handle it better most people report they handle it better most people report they handle it better than expected. So, stop worrying. than expected. So, stop worrying. than expected. So, stop worrying. The Bible says, "Don't worry about The Bible says, "Don't worry about The Bible says, "Don't worry about anything. Pray about everything." That anything. Pray about everything." That anything. Pray about everything." That brings us to the last category of brings us to the last category of brings us to the last category of hearers. That brings us to the golden hearers. That brings us to the golden hearers. That brings us to the golden key of spiritual growth. Verse 15, the key of spiritual growth. Verse 15, the key of spiritual growth. Verse 15, the seed that fell in the good soil seed that fell in the good soil seed that fell in the good soil represents honest, good-hearted people represents honest, good-hearted people represents honest, good-hearted people who hear God's word, cling to it, and who hear God's word, cling to it, and who hear God's word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest. This patiently produce a huge harvest. This patiently produce a huge harvest. This is the golden key. This is the ultimate is the golden key. This is the ultimate is the golden key. This is the ultimate hack. Here it is. It's how you hear the hack. Here it is. It's how you hear the hack. Here it is. It's how you hear the word of God.

word of God. word of God. You decide how you will respond to God's You decide how you will respond to God's You decide how you will respond to God's word. Good ground is made that way by word. Good ground is made that way by word. Good ground is made that way by the work of the gardener. They hear and the work of the gardener. They hear and the work of the gardener. They hear and accept God's word. Consider this. accept God's word. Consider this. accept God's word. Consider this. Uh the first three categories, these are Uh the first three categories, these are Uh the first three categories, these are religious people, if you will. religious people, if you will. religious people, if you will. These are people we would sit next to in These are people we would sit next to in These are people we would sit next to in church. People that might nod at the church. People that might nod at the church. People that might nod at the right moments in a sermon or write some right moments in a sermon or write some right moments in a sermon or write some notes down. People that might join us in notes down. People that might join us in notes down. People that might join us in worship, but it isn't taking root in worship, but it isn't taking root in worship, but it isn't taking root in their heart. It comes down to how we their heart. It comes down to how we their heart. It comes down to how we hear God's word. Listen to this. hear God's word. Listen to this. hear God's word. Listen to this. Success or failure in the Christian life Success or failure in the Christian life Success or failure in the Christian life is determined by how much of the word of is determined by how much of the word of is determined by how much of the word of God you get into your heart and mind on God you get into your heart and mind on God you get into your heart and mind on a regular basis and how obedient you are a regular basis and how obedient you are a regular basis and how obedient you are to it. Let me say it again. Success or to it. Let me say it again. Success or to it. Let me say it again. Success or failure in the Christian life is failure in the Christian life is failure in the Christian life is determined by how much of God's word you determined by how much of God's word you determined by how much of God's word you get into your life on a regular basis get into your life on a regular basis get into your life on a regular basis and how obedient you are to it. and how obedient you are to it. and how obedient you are to it. I mean, you can fill your mind and heart I mean, you can fill your mind and heart I mean, you can fill your mind and heart with the word of God, but not obey it.

with the word of God, but not obey it. with the word of God, but not obey it. Well, that's not helpful. You don't want Well, that's not helpful. You don't want Well, that's not helpful. You don't want to just be a hearer of the word. You to just be a hearer of the word. You to just be a hearer of the word. You want to be a doer of the word. want to be a doer of the word. want to be a doer of the word. it's not enough to mark your Bible, your it's not enough to mark your Bible, your it's not enough to mark your Bible, your Bible must mark you. Bible must mark you. Bible must mark you. It's not enough to go through the word It's not enough to go through the word It's not enough to go through the word of God, the word of God must go through of God, the word of God must go through of God, the word of God must go through you, you see? So, the golden key is you, you see? So, the golden key is you, you see? So, the golden key is hearing it, hearing it, hearing it, believing it, and obeying it, and then believing it, and obeying it, and then believing it, and obeying it, and then you will bring forth spiritual fruit. you will bring forth spiritual fruit. you will bring forth spiritual fruit. And you know what the hardest part And you know what the hardest part And you know what the hardest part of Bible study is? You ready for it? I'm of Bible study is? You ready for it? I'm of Bible study is? You ready for it? I'm going to reveal it right now, watch. going to reveal it right now, watch. going to reveal it right now, watch. This is my example. What's the hardest This is my example. What's the hardest This is my example. What's the hardest part about reading the Bible? Here we part about reading the Bible? Here we part about reading the Bible? Here we go, this. go, this. go, this. Opening it, right? Opening it. Opening it, right? Opening it. Opening it, right? Opening it. Well, talk about our Bibles. I have a Well, talk about our Bibles. I have a Well, talk about our Bibles. I have a beautiful Bible. I have a green Bible beautiful Bible. I have a green Bible beautiful Bible. I have a green Bible with gold pages. And look at all the with gold pages. And look at all the with gold pages. And look at all the ribbons, my goodness, I have so many ribbons, my goodness, I have so many ribbons, my goodness, I have so many ribbons. Isn't it amazing Bible? Do you ribbons. Isn't it amazing Bible? Do you ribbons. Isn't it amazing Bible? Do you read it? No, but look at it. read it? No, but look at it. read it? No, but look at it. Open it, cuz you have a choice. Coming Open it, cuz you have a choice. Coming Open it, cuz you have a choice. Coming back to what I said earlier, in the back to what I said earlier, in the back to what I said earlier, in the morning you can start scrolling or you morning you can start scrolling or you morning you can start scrolling or you can start studying, can start studying, can start studying, and set the pace for your day. Opening and set the pace for your day. Opening and set the pace for your day. Opening the Bible, it's like going to the gym.

the Bible, it's like going to the gym. the Bible, it's like going to the gym. I don't like going to the gym. I don't like going to the gym. I don't like going to the gym. I hate going to the gym, I hate going to the gym, I hate going to the gym, but I do go to the gym. And for me, it's but I do go to the gym. And for me, it's but I do go to the gym. And for me, it's not like I'm trying to bulk up, become not like I'm trying to bulk up, become not like I'm trying to bulk up, become super muscular, obviously. super muscular, obviously. super muscular, obviously. I go to the gym for this reason. I want I go to the gym for this reason. I want I go to the gym for this reason. I want to be able to do this, reach down, pick to be able to do this, reach down, pick to be able to do this, reach down, pick something up. That's it. something up. That's it. something up. That's it. I want mobility. I don't want to have to I want mobility. I don't want to have to I want mobility. I don't want to have to go to the doctor after that happens, you go to the doctor after that happens, you go to the doctor after that happens, you see? I I want to be able to function, see? I I want to be able to function, see? I I want to be able to function, and be flexible, and be as strong as I and be flexible, and be as strong as I and be flexible, and be as strong as I can be. I don't want to fall over when can be. I don't want to fall over when can be. I don't want to fall over when I'm just walking, okay? That That's I'm just walking, okay? That That's I'm just walking, okay? That That's Those are the goals I have now. And so, Those are the goals I have now. And so, Those are the goals I have now. And so, I go to the gym, and I don't like it. I go to the gym, and I don't like it. I go to the gym, and I don't like it. And I begin the workout, I don't like And I begin the workout, I don't like And I begin the workout, I don't like it. I'm not enjoying it, but by the time it. I'm not enjoying it, but by the time it. I'm not enjoying it, but by the time I'm done, I feel better, and I'm glad I I'm done, I feel better, and I'm glad I I'm done, I feel better, and I'm glad I went, right? went, right? went, right? So, when I open up the Bible, it's not So, when I open up the Bible, it's not So, when I open up the Bible, it's not always like, "Oh, this is so exciting." always like, "Oh, this is so exciting." always like, "Oh, this is so exciting." Sometimes it's the discipline. I just Sometimes it's the discipline. I just Sometimes it's the discipline. I just open it, and I start reading it, but open it, and I start reading it, but open it, and I start reading it, but then God speaks to me through it. So, then God speaks to me through it. So, then God speaks to me through it. So, that's something we must do. Someone that's something we must do. Someone that's something we must do. Someone the happy man the happy man the happy man He does Oh, my back hurts from when I He does Oh, my back hurts from when I He does Oh, my back hurts from when I bent over. Just Not really. So, the bent over. Just Not really. So, the bent over. Just Not really. So, the happy man happy man happy man of someone Blessed is the man that of someone Blessed is the man that of someone Blessed is the man that doesn't walk in the counsel of the doesn't walk in the counsel of the doesn't walk in the counsel of the ungodly or stand in the way of sinners ungodly or stand in the way of sinners ungodly or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of the scornful, but or sit in the seat of the scornful, but or sit in the seat of the scornful, but his delight is in the word of God and in his delight is in the word of God and in his delight is in the word of God and in it does he meditate day and night.

it does he meditate day and night. it does he meditate day and night. It could come down to this. You could It could come down to this. You could It could come down to this. You could call it RPGs. call it RPGs. call it RPGs. What? Rob- rocket-propelled grenades? What? Rob- rocket-propelled grenades? What? Rob- rocket-propelled grenades? No, no. RPGs No, no. RPGs No, no. RPGs R for read the Bible daily. Pray. P for R for read the Bible daily. Pray. P for R for read the Bible daily. Pray. P for pray about things. G for go to church pray about things. G for go to church pray about things. G for go to church regularly. S share your faith. regularly. S share your faith. regularly. S share your faith. These are the disciplines of the These are the disciplines of the These are the disciplines of the Christian life. You don't outgrow these. Christian life. You don't outgrow these. Christian life. You don't outgrow these. You don't move beyond these. If you want You don't move beyond these. If you want You don't move beyond these. If you want to keep growing spiritually, if you want to keep growing spiritually, if you want to keep growing spiritually, if you want to discover the golden key that leads to to discover the golden key that leads to to discover the golden key that leads to spiritual growth, read your Bible daily, spiritual growth, read your Bible daily, spiritual growth, read your Bible daily, pray about things, go to church pray about things, go to church pray about things, go to church regularly, share your faith. That regularly, share your faith. That regularly, share your faith. That produces forward momentum. produces forward momentum. produces forward momentum. And as I said earlier, the moment you And as I said earlier, the moment you And as I said earlier, the moment you stop going forward is the moment you can stop going forward is the moment you can stop going forward is the moment you can begin to go backwards. begin to go backwards. begin to go backwards. Let me close with three quick stories of Let me close with three quick stories of Let me close with three quick stories of people that had the seed of God's word people that had the seed of God's word people that had the seed of God's word sown in their hearts and what happened. sown in their hearts and what happened. sown in their hearts and what happened. First, there's a man that wrote me and First, there's a man that wrote me and First, there's a man that wrote me and said, "Uh thank you, Pastor Greg, for said, "Uh thank you, Pastor Greg, for said, "Uh thank you, Pastor Greg, for leading me to Christ over the radio in leading me to Christ over the radio in leading me to Christ over the radio in 2007.

2007. 2007. I was deep into meth addiction. And I I was deep into meth addiction. And I I was deep into meth addiction. And I was at I was at the end of my life on was at I was at the end of my life on was at I was at the end of my life on this earth. Have you ever seen what this earth. Have you ever seen what this earth. Have you ever seen what happens to a person when they become happens to a person when they become happens to a person when they become addicted to meth? addicted to meth? addicted to meth? It's absolutely horrifying. It's absolutely horrifying. It's absolutely horrifying. God used you that morning to say, God used you that morning to say, God used you that morning to say, 'Listen on the radio.' And I prayed this 'Listen on the radio.' And I prayed this 'Listen on the radio.' And I prayed this sinner's prayer. Instantly, a power hit sinner's prayer. Instantly, a power hit sinner's prayer. Instantly, a power hit me and I was set free. Since then, I me and I was set free. Since then, I me and I was set free. Since then, I have hungered for his word and never have hungered for his word and never have hungered for his word and never went back. I'm a living miracle." Is not went back. I'm a living miracle." Is not went back. I'm a living miracle." Is not a great story? a great story? a great story? You see? That's the seed sown on good ground. That's the seed sown on good ground. Another man writes me, "My dearest Another man writes me, "My dearest Another man writes me, "My dearest Pastor Laurie." I like that. Pastor Laurie." I like that. Pastor Laurie." I like that. You should call me that. You should call me that. You should call me that. Dearest Pastor Laurie. Dearest Pastor Laurie. Dearest Pastor Laurie. "My dearest Pastor Laurie," he writes, "My dearest Pastor Laurie," he writes, "My dearest Pastor Laurie," he writes, "My name is Richard. I've been an "My name is Richard. I've been an "My name is Richard. I've been an alcoholic for 45 years. 45 years of alcoholic for 45 years. 45 years of alcoholic for 45 years. 45 years of slavery. Three years ago I heard your slavery. Three years ago I heard your slavery. Three years ago I heard your radio program on the Fish FM. I prayed radio program on the Fish FM. I prayed radio program on the Fish FM. I prayed the sinner's prayer. I've gotten into the sinner's prayer. I've gotten into the sinner's prayer. I've gotten into rehab. I would appreciate any materials rehab. I would appreciate any materials rehab. I would appreciate any materials and a Bible to help me. Now that I'm a and a Bible to help me. Now that I'm a and a Bible to help me. Now that I'm a new creation in Christ, thank you and new creation in Christ, thank you and new creation in Christ, thank you and God bless you." That's wonderful. The God bless you." That's wonderful. The God bless you." That's wonderful. The power of the word of God, you see?

power of the word of God, you see? power of the word of God, you see? >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> But here's one last story. A man writes, >> But here's one last story. A man writes, >> But here's one last story. A man writes, "Both of my sons accepted the Lord "Both of my sons accepted the Lord "Both of my sons accepted the Lord through Harvest Ministries. The oldest through Harvest Ministries. The oldest through Harvest Ministries. The oldest was at a Harvest Crusade and the was at a Harvest Crusade and the was at a Harvest Crusade and the youngest was on the way to school as we youngest was on the way to school as we youngest was on the way to school as we listened to Pastor Greg on the radio. listened to Pastor Greg on the radio. listened to Pastor Greg on the radio. When he gave the altar call, my When he gave the altar call, my When he gave the altar call, my 5-year-old looked out the window and 5-year-old looked out the window and 5-year-old looked out the window and prayed the prayer. He had tears in his prayed the prayer. He had tears in his prayed the prayer. He had tears in his eyes. So precious and sweet. eyes. So precious and sweet. eyes. So precious and sweet. >> [applause] >> You remember that tragic day that >> You remember that tragic day that Charlie Kirk was assassinated. Charlie Kirk was assassinated. Charlie Kirk was assassinated. And a young lady And a young lady And a young lady was watching this online and actually was watching this online and actually was watching this online and actually saw it as it happened in real time. saw it as it happened in real time. saw it as it happened in real time. She was deeply traumatized by this. Her She was deeply traumatized by this. Her She was deeply traumatized by this. Her parents who live in Utah said, "You parents who live in Utah said, "You parents who live in Utah said, "You should tune in to the Harvest Crusade. should tune in to the Harvest Crusade. should tune in to the Harvest Crusade. Uh Greg's going to be preaching in Utah Uh Greg's going to be preaching in Utah Uh Greg's going to be preaching in Utah at the very university where this event at the very university where this event at the very university where this event happened." And so she tuned in happened." And so she tuned in happened." And so she tuned in and she heard the gospel and she gave and she heard the gospel and she gave and she heard the gospel and she gave her life to the Lord watching online. her life to the Lord watching online. her life to the Lord watching online. She's here with us sitting right over She's here with us sitting right over She's here with us sitting right over there. Stand up and say hello.

there. Stand up and say hello. there. Stand up and say hello. There she is. >> So job is to throw the seed out as far >> So job is to throw the seed out as far as I can. Sometimes people say, "Greg, as I can. Sometimes people say, "Greg, as I can. Sometimes people say, "Greg, why are you still preaching? You're why are you still preaching? You're why are you still preaching? You're getting old. Aren't you at the age when getting old. Aren't you at the age when getting old. Aren't you at the age when people retire?" In fact, you look like people retire?" In fact, you look like people retire?" In fact, you look like you're beginning to decompose. you're beginning to decompose. you're beginning to decompose. That's just not true. Sad thing is my That's just not true. Sad thing is my That's just not true. Sad thing is my wife said that to me this morning. No. wife said that to me this morning. No. wife said that to me this morning. No. Why do I do what I do? Why have I Why do I do what I do? Why have I Why do I do what I do? Why have I continued to do it for 50 years? Because continued to do it for 50 years? Because continued to do it for 50 years? Because of stories like this, because I love to of stories like this, because I love to of stories like this, because I love to see people come to Jesus Christ and have see people come to Jesus Christ and have see people come to Jesus Christ and have their lives transformed, right? their lives transformed, right? their lives transformed, right? >> [applause] >> But here's the thing, we're all called >> But here's the thing, we're all called to do this. to do this. to do this. Everyone should be sowing the seed. Everyone should be sowing the seed. Everyone should be sowing the seed. Well, that's your job, Greg. You're Well, that's your job, Greg. You're Well, that's your job, Greg. You're preaching. Yeah, that's my job except preaching. Yeah, that's my job except preaching. Yeah, that's my job except that, but it's my calling. that, but it's my calling. that, but it's my calling. But it's our calling, isn't it? So, I But it's our calling, isn't it? So, I But it's our calling, isn't it? So, I have a friend named Larry and he's here have a friend named Larry and he's here have a friend named Larry and he's here at church today sitting in the front at church today sitting in the front at church today sitting in the front row.

row. row. Larry is 88 years old. Larry is 88 years old. Larry is 88 years old. I went to his 88th birthday. He's a very I went to his 88th birthday. He's a very I went to his 88th birthday. He's a very successful businessman. He has an successful businessman. He has an successful businessman. He has an optical company. People come from all optical company. People come from all optical company. People come from all over the place, around the state, even over the place, around the state, even over the place, around the state, even from other states to meet him in person, from other states to meet him in person, from other states to meet him in person, to see his incredible designs. And what to see his incredible designs. And what to see his incredible designs. And what I love about Larry is he uses his I love about Larry is he uses his I love about Larry is he uses his position to share the gospel. And I've position to share the gospel. And I've position to share the gospel. And I've stood in awe and watched him tell people stood in awe and watched him tell people stood in awe and watched him tell people about Jesus. about Jesus. about Jesus. And I think to myself, we need more And I think to myself, we need more And I think to myself, we need more people doing this. And he said to me the people doing this. And he said to me the people doing this. And he said to me the other day, "Why don't more Christian other day, "Why don't more Christian other day, "Why don't more Christian businessmen use their business and their businessmen use their business and their businessmen use their business and their careers as a platform for the gospel?" I careers as a platform for the gospel?" I careers as a platform for the gospel?" I said, "That's a good question. And they said, "That's a good question. And they said, "That's a good question. And they should." should." should." >> [applause] >> It's not just for the preachers to do. >> It's not just for the preachers to do. We have our job, our role, our place, We have our job, our role, our place, We have our job, our role, our place, but we all have a place but we all have a place but we all have a place in this and we all have seed to sow. So, in this and we all have seed to sow. So, in this and we all have seed to sow. So, in closing, in closing, in closing, what kind of soil is your heart right what kind of soil is your heart right what kind of soil is your heart right now?

now? now? Is your soil is your heart receptive to Is your soil is your heart receptive to Is your soil is your heart receptive to the word of God? the word of God? the word of God? Or is it resistant? Listen to this. Or is it resistant? Listen to this. Or is it resistant? Listen to this. Every time you hear the gospel, Every time you hear the gospel, Every time you hear the gospel, your heart can get a little harder. your heart can get a little harder. your heart can get a little harder. The Bible says, "He who is often The Bible says, "He who is often The Bible says, "He who is often reproved hardens his heart and he will reproved hardens his heart and he will reproved hardens his heart and he will be cut off and that without remedy." be cut off and that without remedy." be cut off and that without remedy." Okay, so you hear it and you say, "Well, Okay, so you hear it and you say, "Well, Okay, so you hear it and you say, "Well, I I don't want to do this. I don't want I I don't want to do this. I don't want I I don't want to do this. I don't want to follow Jesus." And your heart can get to follow Jesus." And your heart can get to follow Jesus." And your heart can get a little more callous. You hear it a little more callous. You hear it a little more callous. You hear it again, "Yeah, yeah, I'm busy. I got again, "Yeah, yeah, I'm busy. I got again, "Yeah, yeah, I'm busy. I got things to do. Got to go hang out with things to do. Got to go hang out with things to do. Got to go hang out with the dogs some more." Yeah, your heart the dogs some more." Yeah, your heart the dogs some more." Yeah, your heart gets a little harder. gets a little harder. gets a little harder. Hear it again, "Yeah, I think I got to Hear it again, "Yeah, I think I got to Hear it again, "Yeah, I think I got to go look at that treadmill I bought and go look at that treadmill I bought and go look at that treadmill I bought and never used. I'm busy. Can't do it." never used. I'm busy. Can't do it." never used. I'm busy. Can't do it." Heart gets a little harder. Heart gets a little harder. Heart gets a little harder. And then one day it gets irreparably And then one day it gets irreparably And then one day it gets irreparably hard. hard. hard. That's why the Bible says, "Harden not That's why the Bible says, "Harden not That's why the Bible says, "Harden not your heart if you can hear his voice." your heart if you can hear his voice." your heart if you can hear his voice." You decide what you'll do. So, You decide what you'll do. So, You decide what you'll do. So, what is the gospel? I think you know, what is the gospel? I think you know, what is the gospel? I think you know, but in case you don't, I'll tell you. but in case you don't, I'll tell you. but in case you don't, I'll tell you. The gospel means good news and the good The gospel means good news and the good The gospel means good news and the good news is God loved you so much he sent news is God loved you so much he sent news is God loved you so much he sent his son to die on the cross for your his son to die on the cross for your his son to die on the cross for your sin. The bad news is sin. The bad news is sin. The bad news is you needed Jesus to do this because you you needed Jesus to do this because you you needed Jesus to do this because you are a sinner and you've broken God's are a sinner and you've broken God's are a sinner and you've broken God's commandments and fallen short of his commandments and fallen short of his commandments and fallen short of his standards. We all have sinned.

standards. We all have sinned. standards. We all have sinned. But while we were yet sinners, But while we were yet sinners, But while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us, the Bible says. And Christ died for us, the Bible says. And Christ died for us, the Bible says. And he rose again from the dead and now he he rose again from the dead and now he he rose again from the dead and now he stands at the door of your heart and stands at the door of your heart and stands at the door of your heart and knocks and says, "If you'll hear my knocks and says, "If you'll hear my knocks and says, "If you'll hear my voice and open the door, I will come voice and open the door, I will come voice and open the door, I will come in." So, in closing, in." So, in closing, in." So, in closing, I'm going to give you an opportunity to I'm going to give you an opportunity to I'm going to give you an opportunity to believe like this guy who is believe like this guy who is believe like this guy who is a methadic or another who is an a methadic or another who is an a methadic or another who is an alcoholic. You say, "Well, I'm not a alcoholic. You say, "Well, I'm not a alcoholic. You say, "Well, I'm not a drug addict or alcoholic." Yeah, but you drug addict or alcoholic." Yeah, but you drug addict or alcoholic." Yeah, but you may be the nicest, hardest working, most may be the nicest, hardest working, most may be the nicest, hardest working, most moral person around. You still need moral person around. You still need moral person around. You still need Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. He came for the down and outer. He came He came for the down and outer. He came He came for the down and outer. He came for the up and outer. for the up and outer. for the up and outer. He came for everyone. We all need He came for everyone. We all need He came for everyone. We all need Christ. And he's ready to come into your Christ. And he's ready to come into your Christ. And he's ready to come into your life and change your story. life and change your story. life and change your story. But it's up to you. You can have your But it's up to you. You can have your But it's up to you. You can have your eyes open meaning like you go, "You know eyes open meaning like you go, "You know eyes open meaning like you go, "You know what? I believe what you've said, Craig. what? I believe what you've said, Craig. what? I believe what you've said, Craig. I believe this is all true." Okay, good. I believe this is all true." Okay, good. I believe this is all true." Okay, good. You're You're getting there. You're You're You're getting there. You're You're You're getting there. You're close. close. close. But now you must turn from darkness to But now you must turn from darkness to But now you must turn from darkness to light. Now you must say, "Not only do I light. Now you must say, "Not only do I light. Now you must say, "Not only do I believe this is true, but I'm ready to believe this is true, but I'm ready to believe this is true, but I'm ready to take the next step in belief. And I'm take the next step in belief. And I'm take the next step in belief. And I'm ready to turn from the power of Satan to ready to turn from the power of Satan to ready to turn from the power of Satan to God. I'm ready to follow Christ." That's God. I'm ready to follow Christ." That's God. I'm ready to follow Christ." That's the step you must take.

the step you must take. the step you must take. So, the ball's in your court right now. So, the ball's in your court right now. So, the ball's in your court right now. So, we're going to pray and I'm going to So, we're going to pray and I'm going to So, we're going to pray and I'm going to extend an invitation for anybody here extend an invitation for anybody here extend an invitation for anybody here who would like Jesus Christ to come into who would like Jesus Christ to come into who would like Jesus Christ to come into their life. Let's all bow our heads and their life. Let's all bow our heads and their life. Let's all bow our heads and pray. Father, pray. Father, pray. Father, speak to the hearts of those that do not speak to the hearts of those that do not speak to the hearts of those that do not yet know you here. yet know you here. yet know you here. Those that are watching, those that are Those that are watching, those that are Those that are watching, those that are listening, wherever they are. listening, wherever they are. listening, wherever they are. If they don't know you yet, let this be If they don't know you yet, let this be If they don't know you yet, let this be the moment they believe. the moment they believe. the moment they believe. Now, while our heads are bowed and our Now, while our heads are bowed and our Now, while our heads are bowed and our eyes are closed and we're praying eyes are closed and we're praying eyes are closed and we're praying together, together, together, how many here would say, "I need Jesus. how many here would say, "I need Jesus. how many here would say, "I need Jesus. I want him to forgive me of my sin. I want him to forgive me of my sin. I want him to forgive me of my sin. I want him to fill that void in my life. I want him to fill that void in my life. I want him to fill that void in my life. I want to go to heaven when I die. I want to go to heaven when I die. I want to go to heaven when I die. I want to find the meaning of life. Pray I want to find the meaning of life. Pray I want to find the meaning of life. Pray for me." If you want Christ to come into for me." If you want Christ to come into for me." If you want Christ to come into your life, your life, your life, if you want him to forgive you of your if you want him to forgive you of your if you want him to forgive you of your sin, if you want to know that when you sin, if you want to know that when you sin, if you want to know that when you die, you will go to heaven, die, you will go to heaven, die, you will go to heaven, wherever you are, would you just lift wherever you are, would you just lift wherever you are, would you just lift your hand up and let me just pray for your hand up and let me just pray for your hand up and let me just pray for you. Just raise your hand up saying, "I you. Just raise your hand up saying, "I you. Just raise your hand up saying, "I need Jesus today." I'll pray for you. need Jesus today." I'll pray for you. need Jesus today." I'll pray for you. God bless you. Raise your hand up where God bless you. Raise your hand up where God bless you. Raise your hand up where I can see it. Let me pray for you today.

I can see it. Let me pray for you today. I can see it. Let me pray for you today. God bless you. Yes. God bless you. God bless you. Yes. God bless you. God bless you. Yes. God bless you. Anybody else? Anybody else? Anybody else? Lift your hand up and I'll pray for you Lift your hand up and I'll pray for you Lift your hand up and I'll pray for you today. today. today. God bless you. God bless you. God bless you. God bless you back there. Yes, amen. God God bless you back there. Yes, amen. God God bless you back there. Yes, amen. God bless you, too. And you and you. bless you, too. And you and you. bless you, too. And you and you. Yes. One more moment I'll wait. Anybody Yes. One more moment I'll wait. Anybody Yes. One more moment I'll wait. Anybody else? else? else? Raise your hand if you want Christ to Raise your hand if you want Christ to Raise your hand if you want Christ to come into your life today. come into your life today. come into your life today. God bless you all that raised your hand. God bless you all that raised your hand. God bless you all that raised your hand. Now, pray this prayer out loud after me. Now, pray this prayer out loud after me. Now, pray this prayer out loud after me. You that raised your hand, pray this out You that raised your hand, pray this out You that raised your hand, pray this out loud after me. Lord Jesus, loud after me. Lord Jesus, loud after me. Lord Jesus, I know that I'm a sinner, I know that I'm a sinner, I know that I'm a sinner, but I know that you're the savior but I know that you're the savior but I know that you're the savior who died on the cross for my sin who died on the cross for my sin who died on the cross for my sin and rose again from the dead. and rose again from the dead. and rose again from the dead. I choose to follow you, Lord, I choose to follow you, Lord, I choose to follow you, Lord, from this day forward. from this day forward. from this day forward. In Jesus' name I pray. In Jesus' name I pray. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. Let's congratulate those folks Amen. Let's congratulate those folks Amen. Let's congratulate those folks that just prayed that prayer. God bless that just prayed that prayer. God bless that just prayed that prayer. God bless you all. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> Amen.